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This couple’s fight to save the Seminary Street commercial district in Galesburg began in 1975 when the Sandburg Mall opened north of town, greatly affecting Main Street area businesses, including their own retail store. Instead of moving their business to the mall, the Matsons decided to save Seminary Street. The Matsons soon acquired most of the properties on Seminary Street with a vision of bringing restaurants and businesses to the area. At that same time, the couple shared their story with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Galesburg subsequently was chosen to be one of the three pilot areas for a new national Main Street Program. Along with working with the City to create a tax increment financing district to assist with restoration efforts, the Matsons also created Seminary Street Historic Commercial District, a non-profit organization. The jury noted that, while it has taken over 35 years, “Seminary Street has been given a new life because of the Matsons’ dedication.”
Links
Photo credits: 4 Ron Johnson,
Journal Star; 6, 7, 8 Jim Peters, Landmarks Illinois
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